
Cap'n Fish's Cruises
Experience the magic of Maine's coast with Cap'n Fish's Cruises, offering thrilling whale watching and puffin tours.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak whale & puffin season

Cap'n Fish's Cruises
Best Time
Peak whale & puffin season

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the magic of Maine's coast with Cap'n Fish's Cruises, offering thrilling whale watching and puffin tours.
"The most beautiful experience of our whole trip to Maine! SO worth every single penny."

🧥 Bring Layers!
It gets surprisingly cold on the water, even on hot days. Pack a jacket or fleece.
🅿️ Smart Parking Choice
Park on Howard Street for cheaper rates; it's a short, easy walk to the dock.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Whale Watching Encounters
Offshore waters
Witness majestic whales breaching and feeding. An unforgettable marine wildlife spectacle.

Puffin Colony Visits
Coastal islands
Spot adorable puffins in their natural habitat. A photographer's dream!

Lobstering Industry Insights
During the cruise narration
Learn about Maine's iconic lobstering traditions from knowledgeable guides.

Scenic Coastal Views
Along the coastline
Enjoy breathtaking views of lighthouses, islands, and diverse seabirds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Wildlife Sightings
Parking and Docking Logistics
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
In Booth Bay Harbor there's a cool company that does whale watch cruises. I took this pic of a group of humpback whales we saw doing what's called bubble net feeding.
🧥 Bring Layers!
It gets surprisingly cold on the water, even on hot days. Pack a jacket or fleece.
🅿️ Smart Parking Choice
Park on Howard Street for cheaper rates; it's a short, easy walk to the dock.
Are the whale/puffin cruises worth it?
Whale watch, lobster and puffin boats
🐶 Pet-Friendly Fun
Well-behaved dogs are welcome aboard! Your furry friend can enjoy the sea breeze too.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
The crew pulls in close to islands for excellent views of wildlife and lighthouses.
Puffin tour recommendations?
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Bring Layers!
It gets surprisingly cold on the water, even on hot days. Pack a jacket or fleece.
🅿️ Smart Parking Choice
Park on Howard Street for cheaper rates; it's a short, easy walk to the dock.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Fun
Well-behaved dogs are welcome aboard! Your furry friend can enjoy the sea breeze too.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
The crew pulls in close to islands for excellent views of wildlife and lighthouses.
⏳ Arrive Early
Get to the dock a bit before departure to snag a good seat with unobstructed views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Cap'n Fish's Cruises for its knowledgeable and friendly crew, offering educational and exciting wildlife encounters. The scenic beauty of the Maine coast and the chance to see whales and puffins are major highlights. While some wish for closer puffin viewing, the overall experience is highly recommended for its value and memorable moments.
"We very much enjoyed the Cap'n Fish's harbor cruise aboard the Pink Lady vessel. The weather was perfect. All the crew was knowledgeable, friendly and professional. The narrator did an excellent job. He was loud enough, clear, and easy to understand. We saw different sea birds, and seals along the trip. We were pulled in close to some of the islands for better views of the sea life and lighthouses for perfect photo opportunities. The cruise is informative on the local lobstering industry. It was educational. The boat was clean and comfortable. The 1.25 hour cruise was perfect for the time we wanted to spend."
Lisa12251963
"Lovely day out on the water with our pup! The crew was very nice and knowledgeable. We parked on Howard Street and it was a very easy walk to the dock and much cheaper than the closer lot. There is a covered area downstairs and an open one up top, though the first few rows under the roof do have shade. We saw a number of puffins, sea birds, and several whales. Our guide was fantastic at pointing things out and where to look. My one and only disappointment was that the boat did not stop to see the puffins as they did the whales so it made it harder to view them. It could be for nesting reasons though. the boat slowed but did not stop. Bring layers as it was very hot on land but the ride back was absolutely freezing. Overall, it was a great pick! I was afraid there would be no room to move but there was space so you were not on top of other people and we could easily see things off either side."
Sarah Snyder
"Originally we had reserved a different cruise but there was a mechanical issue with the boat so they offered an upgrade for a longer cruise. I wasn't too sure about the change but our group loved it. The Captain was very knowledgeable and provided an interesting and informative narrative. We were lucky to see a pair of tuna competing for bait in the bay. It was highly unusual to see them so close to the shore!! It was a great evening."
Gail B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cap'n Fish's Cruises is located at Pier 1, 54 Commercial St, Boothbay Harbor, ME. If you're driving, consider parking on Howard Street for more affordable rates, as it's a short and easy walk to the dock.
Yes, there are parking lots near the dock. Parking on Howard Street is often recommended as a cheaper alternative to closer lots.
Boothbay Harbor is best accessed by car. Public transportation options are limited. If coming from further afield, consider flying into Portland International Jetport (PWM) and renting a car.
The travel time to Boothbay Harbor can vary depending on your starting point. Some visitors mention a 1.5-hour drive to reach the area.
The docks are generally accessible, and the walk from recommended parking areas is straightforward.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on the cruise duration and type. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date pricing for whale watching, puffin tours, and harbor cruises.
While same-day tickets may be available, it's highly recommended to book in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and preferred cruise time.
Cruise durations vary, with options ranging from 1.25 hours for harbor cruises to 4+ hours for whale and puffin expeditions.
Information on multi-cruise discounts is not widely available. It's advisable to contact Cap'n Fish's Cruises directly to inquire about any package deals.
Policies can vary, especially due to weather or mechanical issues. It's important to review their terms and conditions at the time of booking or contact them for specifics.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can expect to see a variety of marine life, including whales, puffins, seals, and various seabirds. Some lucky visitors have even spotted tuna!
While boats can be full, reviewers mention that there is usually enough space to move around and see things from either side, so it doesn't feel overly crowded.
Boats typically have covered areas downstairs and open seating upstairs. The first few rows under the roof offer shade.
Yes, the narrators are consistently praised for being knowledgeable, clear, loud enough, and providing excellent commentary on local industries and wildlife.
Cap'n Fish's Cruises is pet-friendly, welcoming well-behaved dogs aboard to enjoy the trip with their owners.
📸 📸 Photography
The open upper deck offers unobstructed views. The crew often pulls the boat in close to islands, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife and lighthouse shots from various vantage points.
While you can see puffins, the boat may not stop directly at their nesting sites, which can make photography challenging. The boat does slow down, but it can be hard to get clear shots if they are further away.
Morning and late afternoon cruises offer different lighting conditions. Late afternoon can provide beautiful golden hour light, while mornings can be clearer.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on standard camera equipment. However, always check with the cruise operator if you plan to use professional or oversized gear.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for wildlife photography. Puffins are typically more active in the morning, while whales can be seen throughout the day.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key Recommendations: Opt for a morning cruise for potentially more active wildlife. Ensure everyone has a good vantage point by arriving a bit early. The pet-friendly policy is a huge plus for families traveling with their furry companions.
💰 Budget Travelers
Budget Tip: Pack your own snacks and drinks to avoid onboard purchase costs. The value comes from the unique wildlife encounters and the educational commentary provided by the knowledgeable crew.
🐶 Pet Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of Whale Watching
Pro Tip: While the boat slows down for whale sightings, the captain's skill in maneuvering ensures you get a good, respectful view without disturbing the animals. Be patient, as whales can be elusive, but the reward is immense. The excitement on board when a whale surfaces is palpable.
Spotting Adorable Puffins
Best Viewing Times: Puffins are generally more active in the morning. If your primary goal is puffin spotting, consider booking a morning cruise during their nesting season (typically late spring through summer). Be prepared with your camera and binoculars for the best chance to capture these delightful birds.
Understanding the Cruise Experience
Boat Amenities: The boats typically feature both covered and open seating areas. The covered sections offer protection from the elements, while the open decks provide unobstructed views. Even when the boat is full, guests report having enough space to move around and enjoy the scenery without feeling cramped.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit